Moving with cats

My new neighbors have a number of nice dogs and one precious kitty called B.C., which stands for Big Cat or Bad Cat, depending on the situation. Now, according to the neighbors, the family dogs didn’t mind moving a bit. Wherever their people go, these canines are wagging and willing to follow. But poor B.C. was another story. Hid in the closet for days and has only recently emerged from that sanctuary to warily sniff and slowly — very slowly — explore every square inch of the unfamiliar place.

B.C.’s fear of the unfamiliar seems to be shared by felines everywhere. Cats are territorial creatures that develop strong ties to home and the well-known, well-marked spots where they snooze and hang out. Plunk them down in strange surroundings, expecting them to say. “Hey, guys, these are classy new digs,” and you’ll get a surprise. Kitties will be horrified, meowing mournfully and maybe even hissing to show their displeasure. And then they’ll probably hide — likely in the nearest closet.

I remember how it was when Gatito, Tony,Missy and I moved to our little house. First of all, it was a struggle to get them in their carriers. Then it was an even worse struggle to get them out. They’d take a few steps beyond their confinement, then dash right back in. And these are cats who normally avoid carriers like the plague.

It took many days and a lot of treats for the kitties to feel comfortable in their new home and to forgive me for uprooting them. Finally, however, they began to relent, curling up on the bed and the couch and ruling the roost, so to speak, just like before.

If moving ever rears its ugly head again, I will be better prepared thanks to this past experience and to advice from the feline behaviorists that I have since read. And just in case you’re planning to relocate any time soon, we’re going to share some hints in hopes that it may make moving with cats less traumatic:

Hint. 1. Keep as calm as possible. Cats pick up on your moods and will quickly sense nervousness and know something scary is about to happen.

Hint 2. Try to get your kitty used to the carrier in advance so it won’t be a sudden surprise and an object of fear. Put toys inside the carrier. Put a familiar blanket inside. Leave the carrier door open, inviting kitty to enter and snooze. (My cats have never fallen for these behavorist-recommended things, but maybe yours will.)

Hint 3. Be sure your cat has a clear identification tag so finding him will be easier should he escape during the move.

Hint 4. Either move cats before the rest of your stuff, installing them in a “safe room” with a tightly closed door at the new house or take them over last after all the moving excitement and the big, burly movers are gone. We took the first approach with Gatito, Tony and Missy, putting them in a bedroom at the new house prior to the moving van’s arrival and shutting the bedroom door with a sign for the movers that read: “Danger. Do not open. Wild tigers inside.” The movers laughed a little nervously when they saw the sign and cooperated.

Hint No. 5: The minute the movers have gone and the racket is over, enter the “safe room” to reassure your cats that all is well and that you haven’t abandoned them. Open their carriers but do not force the kitties out. Bring treats. Bring food. Refill water bowls. Be sure litter pans are easy to see and accessible. Quietly leave and shut the door.

Hint 6: When the moving mess is straightened, you can open the door to the safe room and allow cats to explore their new surroundings. Let them follow their own timetable. Be sure to keep exterior doors closed and take extra precautions not to let cats run outside when you must leave the house. Remember: They don’t know this territory and can easily become lost.

Hint 7: Be patient. Be extra affectionate. Take time to pet and play with your cat. These things are comforting.

Hint 8: Did you “kitty proof” your new home prior to moving? It’s always a good idea to check it over for potential dangers such as uncovered wires, broken windows or peeling paint and resolve the situation before an accident happens and you’re racing to the emergency vet.

Hint 9: Find out where the closest animal ER is located in your new neighborhood and write the address and phone number down where they can be found quickly should the necessity arise.

Hint 10: Buying some fun new furniture for the new house? Your feline companion deserves something special, too. How about a spiffy cat tower for scratching and climbing purposes? Put it by a sunny window where birds can be watched and surroundings studied in purr-fect safety. Call it a kitty housewarming gift.